Roadtripping in a Campervan !

 I've begun a new type of adventure this summer and it's something I've been wanting to do for some time. I've bought an older model camper van. I'd been looking at websites now and then and, of course, watching a lot of YouTube videos on the topic. A few years ago I almost bought one but the deal seemed a little shady and the camper was not in the best condition. Since that time I would randomly get online and check out Craigslist or other sites looking for something that suited my needs. Just after Memorial Day I was looking again and noted that a 2006 Chevy Roadtrek was up for sale in Nashville. Knowing that these are never on the market long I quickly made arrangements to go see it and within 3 days I was driving it home. Quite a few friends said I had to name it. Never having named a vehicle before I was a little unsure. But I came up with a name that I think fits her very well, Rhoda. 

There are some things I've been fixing up or replacing but overall the van is in good condition. I have also been putting some of my camping supplies in it to have it road ready quickly should I want to go. Now that I have been on a few short trips I feel more confident about a longer trip. I just need to decide where and when to go. 

This summer has been a busy one in my family with a new grandchild, summer golf for the older grandkids and some health concerns that demanded attention. So I spent the first night just camping at my local state park. It gave me some idea of what items I should leave in the camper and where to organize supplies. I also got a good idea of how to deal with the fresh and waste water, awning and electrical. My oldest daughter and two grandkids came and pitched a tent and camped with me so we had quite a bit of fun for such a brief adventure. 

Camping at Fort Massac State Park

After this I decided to drive my van to the Louisville area. My sister was going to be there visiting her daughter who had just had her third son. So I searched out overnight options and got prepared. I found a nice state park in Indiana, Charlestowne State Park, just across the river from Louisville. It was just over 20 miles to my niece's home but one of the closest campgrounds. I was not disappointed in the campground. It was a very large campground and offered some sites with full hook-ups (electric, water and sewer) and others that were electric only. I picked one fairly close to the entrance since I would be driving in and out every day and also close to the showers, wanting to use the park shower instead of getting everything wet in the van. Even by Saturday the campground was over half empty. I had heard that campsites were scarce since Covid began because more people were camping. I'll just say that people are missing out not staying at this park. It was very clean and well maintained, private and close to Louisville. 

I had a wonderful visit with my sister and her family. Getting to know my great nephews was a special treat - such darling boys! Most of the time spent there was family time and not a true vacation or touristy in any way. It was so nice though to have my bed and all the comforts of home traveling with me. 

Soon after this one of my dearest friends called and advised me that there was a hot air balloon festival in southern Illinois. Since she and I are both amateur photographers we thought this would be a great opportunity to get our cameras out and try something different. She suggested camping in Rhoda for the weekend and I readily agreed. I found a campground at Carlyle Lake, Coles Creek Campground. There are several campgrounds there operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Two night minimum sealed the deal for us to stay over a second night. Once again I packed the van with food and clothes and we were off. 

The balloon festival was wonderful. As soon as the balloons started filling up we both forgot each other was there and took off snapping pictures right and left. We had sense enough to remember where we last saw each other and headed there when the excitement had ended. Reunited we walked back to the van and headed to the campground. 

The campgrounds have very nice paved sites with electric. A few also had full hook-ups. We were again close to the bathrooms but there was only one shower house and we had to drive to that. Not being close was my error for not checking the website closer. Carlyle Lake is a very large lake and many of the campsites were right on the water. It's a beautiful place and one I'd like to visit again sometime, maybe with a kayak. 

It was a fun weekend. Whether you love photography or not I would encourage anyone to attend a balloon festival if you have the opportunity. It was amazing how quickly they rolled out the balloons, filled them and took off. The announcer at the event said this balloon event was different than most that didn't allow spectators to get up close to the balloons. We could walk up and touch them if we wanted and talk to the crew who seemed happy to answer questions. The second night we visited the festival we stayed for the "glow." As it begins getting dark the balloons are filled but stay on the ground. Then they fire them up according to what the announcer says, either a steady burn or flicker. It was truly beautiful to watch. 

Overall I'm loving the opportunity that the campervan provides. Many people live in them full time but I like being home with my family too so I don't think full time van life will ever be for me. I'm hoping this van will be a good opportunity to get my husband and the dogs out traveling more too. Although living quarters would be a little crowded with all of us it would get us from point A to B easily and comfortably. Maybe I'll get to cross some more states off my list with Rhoda. 

Time Flies ...

Where has the time gone? I looked back and realized I haven't written anything since late May. I can't believe how busy and also how sedentary I can be in retirement. Since May I've been working in my herb garden, planning a demonstration for my living history activities, visiting my sister in Reno, playing with my grandchildren, golfing, photographing, and I continue to walk 3 miles most days. 

Grandkids enjoying the pool

My visit to Reno was so much fun. The weather was great and I got to spend quality time with my sister and her husband. They are both retired and have recently moved and are still trying to settle in. So far they have done a great job of reducing the clutter in their life and creating a homey space for themselves and their family. We took a few days hiking in the nearby area. Our first trip was to Galena Creek Regional Park just outside of Reno. We hiked through scenic woods on the Jones Creek Loop trail. There was enough ups and downs along with the higher altitude that it didn't take me long to get a little winded. 

Galena Creek hike

Some days later we drove toward California. We stopped at the small town of Truckee and wandered the streets where our curiosity led us into many interesting shops and museums. This venture was followed by the search for a short hike nearby. After one failed attempt we ended up at Donner Memorial State Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a hike. The park has camping, picnicking and a very large lake now known as Donner Lake, named after the ill-fated Donner party. We embarked on the Split Rock Loop trail which took us through the woods and to a smaller, very scenic lake called Michel's Pond. On return to our car it was past lunch time so we headed towards Lake Tahoe. We stopped at nearby King's Beach and found some tasty pizza by the lake. There were a lot of people enjoying the water of Lake Tahoe, sunning on the beach or cruising in their boat. It was a delightful day to be at the beach. I will definitely keep Lake Tahoe on my list for further exploration when I have the opportunity since one day was not nearly enough. We also explored the city of Reno a little, did some shopping, ate out a few times but mostly the trip was aimed at having time with family. And family time was the most enjoyable of all. From playing games with my great nephew to family cookouts to talks long into the night about times past, I could not have had a better visit. 

My sister & brother-in-law at Michel's Pond

Michel's pond

Once I returned home I quickly resumed my summer routine which centers a great deal around the grandchildren. Junior golf requires several of us to chaperone the kids around the golf course. This is usually followed by time in the pool. My oldest granddaughter is also playing on a Junior PGA league this year so that is extra time golfing with her. Throw in some cookouts and shopping expeditions and the days pass quickly. 

In addition to all the joy of time spent with the grandkids,  I have been working at developing a display of my herbs as medicines for my reenacting events. I have dabbled at this in the past but my attention runs from one thing to another and the idea had gotten lost a few years back while I was pursuing other things. My current motivation to resume my herbal work came when I was gifted a simple wooden box that I thought would make a suitable container for my bottles of herbs. A quick search at home brought forth the bottles and other items I had been saving just for this. It is such a peaceful pastime for me to pick and hang herbs to dry or bottle the dried herbs that I wonder I get anything else accomplished. In fact, today my beeswax beads arrived and I'm itching to make some ointments with herbal oils. I've also written up an informational sheet on the herbs that I have plus a few others that were readily available in the 18th century along with their historic uses. Hopefully this weekend will remain dry and I can spread out all my "simples" and find a willing listener. I'll try to elaborate more on this in a future post. 

There are other times where I just don't do a lot at all. It hasn't taken me long to relearn how to relax and do nothing. Having an afternoon just walking through the park with my camera or reading a book is activity enough some days. It's so easy to put things off for tomorrow when you don't have work obligations taking up so much of your time. Still, I had a lot of things I wanted to accomplish so now and then I have to make myself a list to get back on track and keep from being overly idle. 

Time and summer hasten by. The days are getting shorter now but are still plenty long for so many summer activities. Now is the season of festivals and fairs. I have no upcoming travel plans so any trips taken must be local and spur-of-the-moment. Thankfully, I can do spur-of-the moment now. When the weather begins to cool I expect I will want to be back camping and hiking, attending living history events and enjoying the retired life. Since I left work I have not looked back nor regretted the decision to retire one time. My work friends are now just friends that I cherish and keep in touch with in other ways. With each day I will continue to live the dream!

Donner Lake

Lake Tahoe

Me at Lake Tahoe

Me in Truckee

Truckee, California

Wildflowers at Galena Creek

More wildflowers at Galena Creek

Social distancing? - I don't think so!

We are all experiencing new and different times. For those of you like me who are on the verge of retiring it has certainly raised a lot of additional questions that others aren't thinking about. The markets have not been stable and travel plans are cancelled or postponed. I question if I should delay my retirement. Working in the healthcare field I wonder if I will be needed to care for patients or should I consider myself "high risk" and avoid work at this time? 

In my immediate area there are no documented cases of Covid-19 but it is getting nearer. Per the news media you cannot always tell if somebody is infected and contagious. It's a scary world out there right now. Still, I don't think mass panic and hoarding toilet paper is a good solution. The virus will spread across the country and affect a large number of the population. We can limit our risk by limiting contact with others as instructed. That being said I've been reevaluating and working on my immediate retirement goals. 

Cleaning out closets and reducing clutter, learning a language with Duolingo, catching up on scrapbooks, trying new recipes, working on my living history kit, reading, making soap, researching travel ideas and fine tuning my bucket list - all these things and more can be done at home. Nobody has said I have to be confined inside my home so I can go outside and garden, take a walk, enjoy the pool or other similar activities. Not all public areas are closed off to hiking and hopefully will remain open. Living in a rural area it seems easier to comply with "social distancing" while still being able to go outside my home. And there is always the internet which allows us to stay connected with friends and family instead of being totally isolated. 

So, with my glass still half full instead of half empty, I will be retiring as planned. I've talked with my retirement adviser and while there are never 100% assurances I am trusting that everything will work out. Ultimately it reverts back to my retirement priorities which are having quality time with family and having time to pursue all the things I love to do. So really, nothing has changed other than travel plans and there will be time for that too, just not now. 

Life is still wonderful. Say a prayer for those who are ill and look for opportunities to do something you wouldn't normally think of doing in our highly mobile, social world. You may find a new hobby or interest or find time to write a letter, connect with distant family or just learn to relax and be still in the moment. I really feel that they have mislabeled "social distancing" as we do not have to give up on being social with so many avenues to reach out to others without physical contact. It should be more appropriately termed "physical distancing" as that is really what is required. 

Take care, stay safe and consider the mandated "social distancing" as a gift instead of a curse. 

The journey begins ...

Hi fellow retirees and retiree wannabes

I am about to embark on the adventure of retirement after 40 years of working. I turned 60 last year and had that moment of awareness that there was less time ahead than behind. My first step was to meet with a financial advisor to see if I could feasibly retire and accomplish everything I dreamed for retirement. Thankfully the answer was yes!

This blog is not about achieving financial security so that you can retire. There are numerous websites and videos out there for that. My only suggestion on this is to find a retirement planner that understands you and your goals and then research as much as time allows. Make that bucket list! In the end, trust that your financial advisor will have your personal goals in mind. If not, find another. Then, take a leap of faith.

This blog is about how to truly live a meaningful and enjoyable life after retiring.

One of the main things I plan to do initially in retirement is traveling. I want to get in as much traveling as possible as long as I physically can. To me it's all about making memories. I have to admit I am an internet search and YouTube addict. I love learning new things and studying the best methods. So I immediately turned to the internet for information on where, how, when, etc. I have to say I was disappointed that most of the travel blogs were geared toward a much younger audience. There were very few YouTube videos for seniors such as myself. And, let's face it, there are differences in how we travel. So my journey began with blogging and maybe eventually embarking into the realm of YouTube to bridge that gap.

Besides travel there are plenty of other topics of interest that I'd like to share including cooking, reading, camping, gardening and family life in general.

As a newbie to retirement (and to blogging) I don't have a wealth of experience to share - yet. But if you want to follow my adventures and misadventures as I navigate through unknown territory ahead I welcome you to come along on this ride with me and we can learn together how to live a happy, active life after retirement.